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Dental Implants
Implant Dentistry

Health & confidence through dental implants

Dental implants accomplish much more than filling a gap left behind by a missing tooth. They provide you with the self-confidence of a healthy smile without sacrificing the feel and function of natural teeth. They also prevent worsening oral health issues that unaddressed gaps can create, such as shifting teeth, bone loss, and gum recession. Poor oral health can leave you more susceptible to diseases that negatively affect your overall health and wellbeing. Implants can help prevent this decline while providing the most durable, long term solution to revitalizing your smile.

We understand you may have a lot of questions, our experienced team at Midlothian Family Dentistry are here to guide you through the process in a non-judgmental environment. Each patient is unique, so we take the time to understand your goals and create a treatment plan catered to your specific needs. Schedule a consultation to find out how we can help restore your smile and dental health with dental implants.

Dental Implants Resources

A permanent & secure tooth loss solution

There are different ways to handle missing or severely damaged teeth, but the most permanent and secure method is with a dental implant. They are a replacement tooth system consisting of an implant post, an abutment, and a prosthesis designed to be indistinguishable from your natural teeth. The titanium implant post is gently placed into the jaw and serves as a replacement tooth root. The prosthesis is connected to the implant post by the abutment, creating a secure mechanical fit in line with the other teeth. A firmly secured implant allows you to do everything as you would normally do with your natural teeth. Bite into healthy foods or speak with confidence knowing everything will stay in place. Each prosthesis is designed to specifically match your natural teeth’s shape and coloring, we go to great lengths to make sure the artificial tooth will go unnoticed even upon intense scrutiny. This will give you the full confidence to share that smile.

Are dental implants painful?

Perhaps the most common question about this procedure, and about any type of oral surgery, is how much it will hurt. Typically, we use a local anesthesia to numb the area(s) where the procedure will take place, ensuring you do not feel any pain. Additionally, since the jawbone does not have any nerves, patients often say the procedure is less painful than getting a filling. Some swelling after surgery can occur, but generally an over-the-counter pain medication is more than enough to help with any discomfort.

During your consultation we will walk you through the entire procedure, including recovery and pain management instructions. Your comfort and care are always our top priority. As the area’s sedation dentistry experts, we are happy to discuss all your sedation options and find the one that best suits your needs and comfort level.

Initiating your implant restoration process

No two smiles are exactly alike, so an initial consultation is needed to evaluate your specific needs and formulate your personal treatment plan. Our doctors will perform an examination using Cone Beam Computer Topography (CBCT) providing a three-dimensional volumetric rendering of your dental anatomy. This consultation will also reveal any special circumstances that may require additional procedures needed to ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants. The process will need to be completed in stages, meaning the full implant installation will necessitate multiple visits. Once the initial consultation is complete, your oral surgeon will fully explain your specific tooth replacement solution and full timeline of procedures.

Different implant solutions for your specific needs

There are multiple factors to consider when deciding which type of dental implant is best for you. Our caring staff will help you determine which solution is best to meet your specific needs to improve your overall oral health.

Single tooth implant

A single tooth implant is the most common and easily fixes a broken or missing tooth. Damaged teeth may also be fixed with a simple crown if the bulk of the tooth’s structure is still in place to receive it. However, a crown is not as durable or secure as an implant. Removing the damaged tooth and replacing with an implant creates a more long-term solution.

Bridge implants

Bridges cover a sequential span of two-to-four teeth. These are helpful if more than one tooth needs to be replaced at the same time. Bridges require less implant posts than replacing each tooth individually.

Denture implants

Full or partial denture implants are also available. These are used when more than four teeth are missing. Denture implants require up to four implant posts, creating a more secure solution than removable dentures that only utilize a topical adhesive.

At Midlothian Family Dentistry, we utilize the industry leading technology and techniques to get the best results for our patients. Whichever implant type you choose, you will be satisfied that the artificial teeth have the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth which will last a lifetime.

A lifetime solution through proper care

Implants require the same type of care as natural teeth. We recommend maintaining a strong routine of brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a low-abrasive toothpaste. A nylon coated interdental brush may be needed to clean hard to reach areas under and around the prosthesis. Regular flossing with unwaxed tape or implant specific floss paired with biannual professional dental cleanings will help your implants provide a lifetime solution for your missing teeth.

Dental bone grafts may be required for more extreme cases

Patients who suffer from significant bone loss due to decay or injury may lack the jaw density to support an implant. In these cases, a bone graft may be required. This procedure requires taking a small amount of bone from another area and repurposing it into the jaw at the implant location. This may sound extreme or painful, but you can be assured it is a common procedure and virtually painless. Patients who do not have significant bone loss can receive implants without the need for a graft if the jaw is healthy. One of our implant dentists will be able to help decide if a graft is needed to ensure proper implant installation.

Insurance coverage for implants

Many dental benefit providers are now including implant coverage in their plans, helping lower the barrier to choose implants as an option for tooth replacement. Our staff will discuss your insurance coverage and expected costs during your consultation and present available financing options to help ensure the cost does not prevent you from obtaining exceptional oral health.

Let us help you get your smile back!

Our team at Midlothian Family Dentistry is here to help restore your smile and overall dental health. Schedule an appointment and allow our caring staff to start the process today!